SOLID MESH

 

Description:  This function opens a menu listing the following solid meshing options:

 

 

-SOLID MESH: 6 LINE SOLID MESH

 

Description: This function is intended for automatic 6 or 8 node solid element generation in a volume. The volume is defined by top and bottom surfaces, which are enclosed by 3 lines each. The lines must previously be defined (line direction is not important).  The lines defining the area do not have to intersect (an open area is possible).  The created elements will be included in the CURRENT PART.  The CURRENT PART should be verified before proceeding with this function.

 

Usage:

 

1.  DSI prompts:

>  SELECT 3 LINES AT BOTTOM

•   LINE SEGMENT allows the user to combine a broken line while selecting lines for the 6 LINE MESH function as in the COMBINE LINE function in the LINE section.  The user must select this option before selecting the desired lines for 6 LINE MESH.

•   The user may check the line(s) prior to executing this function by using SHOW LINE in the LINE section.

 

2.  Once the user selects the desired lines, the prompt will read:

>   SELECT 3 LINES AT TOP

•   Select the second set of three lines in the same order as the first set of three lines.

 

3.  DSI prompts:

>   ENTER MESH TYPE: 1 OR 2

     

                    1.   >   ENTER NO. OF ELEMENTS: N1 X N2 X N3

                    2.   >    ENTER NO. OF ELEMENTS ON ALONG THE FACE EDGE

                                       >    ENTER NO. OF ELEMENTS BETWEEN THE FACES

 

4.  Once N1, N2, and N3 have been entered, the prompt will read:

>   ACCEPT MESH (YES/NO/REMESH)

 •   YES will accept mesh and prompt for more lines.

 •   NO will not accept mesh and prompt for more lines.

 •   REMESH will not accept mesh and prompt for new N1, N2, N3.

 

-SOLID MESH: 8 LINE SOLID MESH

 

Description: This function is intended for automatic 8-node solid element generation in a volume. The volume is defined by a top and bottom surface enclosed by 4 lines.  Each line must be defined beforehand (line direction is not important).  The lines defining the area do not have to intersect (an open area is possible).  A row of N2 elements will be generated from the starting end of line 1 along line 4 on the bottom surface.  The pattern will be repeated N1 times along line 1 on the bottom surface.  The element pattern on the bottom surface will be repeated N3 times toward the top surface.  The node sequence starts at the beginning of line 1 and follows the direction of line 1 using the right hand rule.  The created elements will be included in the CURRENT PART.  The CURRENT PART should be verified before proceeding with this function.

 

Usage:

 

1.  DSI prompts:

>   SELECT LINES FOR BOTTOM

•   LINE SEGMENT allows the user to combine a broken line while selecting lines for the 8 LINE SOLID function as in the COMBINE LINE function in the LINE menu.  The user must select this option before selecting the desired lines for 8 LINE SOLID.

•   The user may check the line(s) prior to executing this function by using SHOW LINE in the LINE menu.

 

2.  DSI prompts:

>   SELECT LINES FOR TOP

 

3.  Once the user selects the desired lines, the prompt will read:

>    ENTER NO. OF ELEM. N1, N2, N3

N1 - any positive integer greater than one for the number of elements along the selected lines.

N2 - any positive integer for the number of elements between the 2 lines.

N3 - any positive integer for the number of elements between the bottom and top surface.

 

4.  Once N1, N2, and N3 have been entered, the prompt will read:

>   ACCEPT MESH (YES/NO/REMESH)

 •   YES will accept mesh and prompt for more lines.

 •   NO will not accept mesh and prompt for more lines.

 •   REMESH rejects the mesh and prompts for new N1, N2, N3.

 

-SOLID MESH: 9 LINE SOLID MESH

 

Description: This function allows the user to generate 6 or 8 node solid elements automatically in a volume.  The volume is defined by 9 lines: 3 lines for the top surface, 3 lines for the bottom surface (see 6 LINE MESH), and 3 lines connecting the top and bottom surfaces.

 

Usage:

 

1.  DSI prompts:

     >   SELECT 3 LINES AT BOTTOM

     >   SELECT 3 LINES AT TOP

     >   SELECT 3 LINES ON THE SIDE, STARTING BETWEEN LINE 1 & 3

  9 LINE MESH is similar to 6 LINE MESH with the exception of 3 connecting lines.

  Line direction (clockwise or counter clockwise) for all line selections should be consistent.

 

2.  See 6 LINE MESH for further details and the prompt descriptions.

 

-SOLID MESH: 12 LINE SOLID MESH

 

Description: This function allows the user to generate 8 node solid elements automatically in a volume.  The volume is defined by 12 lines --4 lines for the top surface, 4 lines for the bottom surface (see 8 LINE MESH), and 4 lines for connecting the top and bottom surfaces.

 

Usage:

 

1.  DSI prompts:

     >   SELECT 4 LINES AT BOTTOM

     >   SELECT 4 LINES AT TOP

     >   SELECT 4 LINES ON THE SIDE, STARTING BETWEEN LINE 1 & 4

 12 LINE MESH is similar to 8 LINE MESH with the exception of 4 connecting lines.

  The user should maintain the consistent direction (clockwise, counter clock- wise) for all line selections.

 

2.   See section 8 LINE MESH for further details and prompt descriptions.

 

-SOLID MESH: TETRA MESH

 

Description: This function allows the user to generate 4 or 10 node solid elements automatically in a volume. 

 

Usage:

 

1.  DSI prompts:

     >   SELECT TETRA MESH OPTION

         

 

 2.  DSI prompts:

     >   PICK AN ELEMENT OR PART NAME OF A PART

 •   After parts are selected, DSI automatically generates 4/10 nodes tetra mesh.